Ptosis (eyelid)

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Ptosis (blepharoptosis) is a medical condition characterized by the drooping or falling of the upper eyelid. This condition may worsen after being awake for an extended period, as the individual's muscles become fatigued. Ptosis is sometimes mistakenly referred to as "Whitaker eye," but that term usually describes the condition amblyopia. If left untreated, severe ptosis can lead to other conditions, such as amblyopia or astigmatism. It is crucial to treat ptosis in children at a young age to prevent interference with vision development.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Ptosis can be caused by several factors, including:

  • Congenital ptosis: Some individuals are born with ptosis due to a developmental issue with the levator muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid.
  • Aponeurotic ptosis: This form of ptosis is caused by the stretching or dehiscence of the levator aponeurosis, often resulting from aging, eye surgery, or trauma.
  • Neurogenic ptosis: Damage to the nerves controlling the eyelid muscles can result in ptosis. Conditions such as Horner's syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and third cranial nerve palsy are associated with neurogenic ptosis.
  • Mechanical ptosis: An increase in weight of the upper eyelid due to tumors, swelling, or scarring can cause mechanical ptosis.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

A thorough medical history and physical examination are required to diagnose ptosis accurately. Additional tests may be performed to determine the cause and severity of ptosis, including:

  • Visual acuity testing
  • Slit-lamp examination
  • Tension test for myasthenia gravis
  • Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scan

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment for ptosis depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Some treatment options include:

  • Observation: In mild cases of ptosis, no treatment may be necessary, and the condition can be monitored over time.
  • Eyelid crutches or tape: These non-surgical options can temporarily alleviate ptosis by providing support to the drooping eyelid.
  • Surgery: Surgical procedures, such as levator resection or frontalis sling, can be performed to correct ptosis and restore proper eyelid function. The choice of surgery depends on the cause and severity of the ptosis, as well as the strength of the levator muscle.
  • Treatment of underlying conditions: If ptosis is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as myasthenia gravis, treating the primary condition may improve ptosis symptoms.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for individuals with ptosis varies depending on the underlying cause, severity, and response to treatment. In many cases, surgical intervention can effectively correct ptosis and restore normal eyelid function. Early detection and treatment are particularly important in children to prevent the development of vision problems, such as amblyopia or astigmatism.

References[edit | edit source]

Ptosis (eyelid) Resources

Find a healthcare provider anywhere in the world quickly and easily!

Translate to: East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski

WikiMD.png


WikiMD is the world's largest, free medical and wellness encyclopedia edited only by professionals. Advertise!

Wikimd.png
This article is a stub.

Help WikiMD grow by registering to expand it.
Editing is available only to registered and verified users.
About WikiMD: A comprehensive, free health & wellness encyclopedia.

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD